MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information
Touch & Movement Therapy
THERAPEUTIC TOUCH

INTRODUCTION

Described as a modern form of the laying on of hands, this method of healing was first used in America teaching hospitals in the early 1970s. Practitioners believe that the body has unique energy fields, defined in terms of quantum physics, and they use their hands to rebalance disruptions in the flow of energy and stimulate the patient's natural powers of self-healing. Therapeutic Touch is taught in over 80 North American colleges, and is widely practiced by nurses in American hospitals to supplement conventional treatment. It is becoming increasingly popular in Britain and Australia.

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy Information: Healing (Laying On Of Hands)

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy Information: Reiki

MAIN USES OF THERAPEUTIC TOUCH

Stress-related conditions, such as fatigue and headaches. Pain relief, especially from musculoskeletal problems and following surgery. Wound healing. Menstrual problems. Lymphatic and circulatory disorders.

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HISTORY

In the late 1960s, Dr. Dolores Krieger, Professor of Nursing in New York University, learned the technique of laying on of hands from a healer, Dora Kunz. Concerned about the impersonal nature of the patient-nurse relationship, she sought ways to bring the therapeutic power of this technique into nursing. In 1972 Dr. Krieger began teaching what she called Therapeutic Touch (TT) to her students. At least 30,000 nurses use it in American clinics and hospitals. Increasing numbers of nurses in the UK are learning TT and the British Association of Therapeutic Touch launched in 1994. About 100 nurses practice TT in Australia.

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CONSULTING A PRACTITIONER

Therapeutic Touch presupposes that people have individual "energy fields" interacting with one another and with the environment as part of a universal energy force. These fields are thought of in scientific, rather than mystical, terms.

During treatment, the practitioner will try to "attune" her energy field with yours so that disturbances in your "energy flow" are balanced and your body's healing powers can work freely. She will sit beside you and "center" herself, relaxing and focusing on the care that she will give you. When ready, she places her hands 2-6 inches (5-15 centimeters) above your body and gently moves them over it to assess any changes or blockages in your energy field. She may feel these as "warm," "cold," "tingly," or "buzzy" sensations. Using sweeping movements, she will try to treat areas of imbalance, perhaps by visualizing healing energy directed from her body to yours.

ASSESSING THE ENERGY FIELD The practitioner passes her hands over the body, without making contact, in order to determine the state of the patient's energy field. The practitioner may feel a tingle or buzz from the energy field of the patient.

RE-PATTERNING THE ENERGY FIELD Healing energy is directed through the hands to influence the pattern of the patient's energy field. Some practitioners place their hands on the area, some sweep their hands over it.

A session may last 10 to 15 minutes. Many people report a sense of relaxation and relief from pain, and increased well-being. Pent-up emotions may be released and breathing can become easier.

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EVIDENCE & RESEARCH

Studies carried out in the 1960s by Dr. Krieger showed that hemoglobin levels increased in some patients receiving TT. Later studies in the 1980s showed that TT was more effective than simple touch in allaying anxiety and relieving tension headaches. A 1997 US study revealed that TT could reduce the effects of stress on the immune system.

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MEDICAL OPINION

A growing number of nurses are taking an interest in TT, and using it in hospitals. Despite this, the medical establishment is still fairly skeptical, although the best research in this area is difficult to deny.

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PRECAUTIONS

Treatment should be given with extra care if you are elderly or pregnant, or if it is your baby that is being treated; if you have a head injury, psychosis, or shock; or if you are emaciated.

GENERAL ALTERNATIVE THERAPY PRECAUTIONS

Consult your health care provider before embarking on any non-conventional form of treatment if you have any medical condition or symptoms of illness.

Do not stop taking any prescribed medication without first consulting with your health care provider.

Tell your complementary practitioner about any prescribed medication you are taking, and any other complementary treatments you are receiving.

Tell your health care provider about any complementary treatments you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and nutritional supplements as well as treatments.

Do not embark on vigorous exercise without first consulting with a health care provider if you have any serious medical condition, such as back pain, high blood pressure, or heart disease, or if you are pregnant.

Do not begin a course of complementary therapy without first consulting with your health care provider (or midwife) if you are pregnant, or if you are trying to conceive.

Advise your practitioner if you have any sexually transmitted disease.

Consult your health care provider before allowing babies or infants to receive complementary treatments, since some treatments, such as enemas and certain herbal remedies, are unsuitable for small children.

See your health care provider if symptoms persist or worsen.

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MoonDragon's Alternative Health: Touch & Movement Therapies Index

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Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
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